News

            There may never be a better time to purchase a high efficiency heating and cooling system for your home.

            New stimulus fund incentives available from the State of Indiana combined with additional incentives from Harrison REMC mean homeowners can save a lot of money by purchasing a new heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) system in 2010.

            Indiana’s Energy Star Appliance Rebate program, scheduled to begin Feb. 1, will provide Hoosier homeowners with a rebate up to $500 when they purchase an Energy Star rated system. The rebate is up to $1,000 for a geothermal heat pump.

            Your cooperative offers incentives of up to $900 for qualifying geothermal systems, up to $300 for air-source heat pumps or dual-fuel (gas and electric) systems, and up to $300 for central air-conditioning.

            “If a consumer can qualify for incentives from both their electric co-op and the state to install a high-efficiency HVAC system then it’s truly a win-win situation,” said Holly Yensel, an energy consultant for co-op power supplier Hoosier Energy. “Many dealers are also offering excellent pricing right now on systems. The installation of a high-efficiency heating and cooling system typically saves hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs.”

            “Heating and cooling accounts for about 50 percent of the average residential utility bill. Consumers can save energy by replacing an HVAC system than with any other appliance in the home,” Yensel added.

                        A total of $6.1 million has been made available to the Indiana Office of Energy Development for the Energy Star rebate program.

            Both the Indiana and electric cooperative incentive programs require the new HVAC system to meet certain minimum energy efficiency standards. Information on the Indiana program including standards and how to apply for rebates are available after Feb. 1 at www.energy.IN.gov. For more information about the Energy Star rating system and for a list of Energy Star rated heating and cooling systems see www.energystar.gov.

            For more information on your electric co-op’s incentives, see www.harrisonremc.com or contact Cathy Racicot or Bob Geswein at 812-738-4115 or 812-951-2323.

            The state program funding is expected to reach approximately 19,500 residential participants and continues until the $6.1 million in rebate funds are exhausted.

            To learn more about how to save money on your energy bill including savings estimates for Energy Star upgrades, check out www.togetherwesave.com.